Editing Columbidae (section)

===Reproduction===
Doves and pigeons build relatively flimsy [[Bird nest|nests]], often using sticks, other vegetable matter, and other debris, which may be placed on trees, on [[Outcrop|rocky ledge]]s, or on the ground, depending on species. The female may either build the nest, with material gathered by the male, or the male builds the nest by himself. A few species [[Bird colony|nest colonially]], others nest in aggregation.<ref name="CornellLab" />

Most lay a [[Clutch (eggs)|clutch]] of one or (usually) two white eggs at a time which take 11-30 days to hatch (larger species have longer incubation times). Both [[Parental care|parents care]] for the young; unlike most birds, both sexes of doves and pigeons produce "[[crop milk]]" to feed their young. This fluid is secreted by a sloughing of [[epithelial cell]]s from the lining of the [[Crop (anatomy)|crop]].<ref name="CornellLab" /> 

Unfledged baby doves and pigeons are called squabs and are generally able to fly by five weeks old. These [[Fledge|fledglings]], with their immature squeaking voices, are called squeakers once they are [[weaning|weaned]],<ref name="EoB">{{cite book |editor=Forshaw, Joseph |author=Crome, Francis H.J. |year=1991 |title=Encyclopaedia of Animals: Birds |publisher=Merehurst Press |place=London |pages=115–116 |isbn=978-1-85391-186-6}}</ref> and leave the nest after 25–32 days.